Here's the low down on the epic Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang Slow Boat from Thailand to Laos.
Including how to book tickets and where to stay.
Backpacking around Southeast Asia is an amazing adventure, travelling through amazingly diverse landscapes and from country to country like a true explorer. When we discovered the amazing, picturesque and beautiful adventure that is theĀ Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang slow boat we knew we had to do it.
We always like to add to the adventure if we can, like when we boughtĀ motorbikes in Vietnam meaning that the method of transport is much more than getting from A to B, but an adventure in itself!
So instead of the vomit-inducing Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai (or reverse) night bus we decided to take the incredible two-day journey down the mighty Mekong on the slow boat to Luang Prabang.
It can be a little confusing to organise at first so we’ve put together this COMPREHENSIVE guide to taking the Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang slow boat/ Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai slow boat.
Background On The Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang Slow Boat
Travelling from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang or Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai is one of those necessary long journeys whilst travelling around South East Asia.
The usual method for this region would be to just jump on yet another night bus and deal with the sleep deprivation the following day! However the route between the mountainous regions of Luang Prabang and Northern Thailand is notoriously steep and winding, the relatively short distance on the map is actually a vomit-inducing 18-hour trip.
We opted for a smooth and relaxing ride along the legendary Mekong river on the Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang slow boat which can also be taken from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai using the exact same method but in reverse!
For us rather than another nightmarish bus the slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang was an experience in itself, in fact through our extensive travels in the region we’ve actually ended up doing this trip twice and I can tell you that two years later from our first time it’s actually got even better and only slightly more popular!
We’ve used the Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview for all our backpacking adventures over the past 5 years and highly recommend them!
The main area of the pack opens like a suitcase, which is great for using packing cubes to keep everything organised and they even come with a detachable day pack!
Don’t be tempted to buy your ticket from one of the agents in town, they will only charge you an additional commission for the Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai slow boat, especially if you are in Chiang Mai as the boat leaves from another town.
Instead, you can buy your tickets for the slow boat online and make sure you have everything booked.
Some of those on our boat who had paid upfront ended up having to pay twice as their full ticket had been taken off them on the first day and the guys on the boat have no confirmation other than your paper ticket. It’s something to bear in mind when organising the slow boat to Luang Prabang.
There are also many scams or just overpriced and oversold “boat trips” when the slow boat to Luang Prabang is in reality a local boat service. The slow boat from Laos to Thailand is a cheap and meandering way of travelling rather than fast, direct and expensive!
Whether you are going from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang or Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai its best to get to the docks early and buy your tickets on the day from either the small office or on the boat or alternatively buy online. Thankfully Laos is a cheap travel destination, but it always pays not to leave it until the last minute to get the best prices.
Firstly what you need to know is that the Luang Prabang slow boat pier is now not in Luang Prabang centre itself but is around 10 km outside of the town. The boat from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai leaves in the morning at around 8 am and you should arrive at least an hour before to get your tickets.
You should take a tuk-tuk from Luang Prabang to the docks for around 15,000 Kip (Ā£1.40/ $1.80) each. Asking your accommodation to book it for you the day before and letting them know it’s for Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai slow boat so you make sure to get the right price and not miss your boat.
In this direction (from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai) it is much simpler as the boat leaves from just outside the town and there is an office at the docks selling the tickets.
You won’t buy a ticket for the Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai slow boat but instead two tickets, one for each day:
You will buy your first ticket at the docks in “Luang Prabang” (10km outside!) to Pak Beng and it should cost you 110,000 Kip (Ā£10/ $13)
The ticket for the second boat from Pak Beng to Huay Xai will cost 110,000 Kip (Ā£10/ $13) and you buy in on the boat itself.
There is also the option of paying around 320,000 Kip (Ā£29.40 / $37.70) for the Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai speedboat all the way in one day, however, these are notoriously dangerous and uncomfortable. If you see a small thin boat fly past you at speed whilst all the occupants are bobbing up and down with full-face helmets, then that’s the Speed boat from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang!
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Slow Boat Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai: There are some amazing scenes
Buying tickets from Chiang Mai & Getting to Chiang Khong/ Huay Xai
One thing to consider when coming from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang is that the actual boat leaves from another town a few hours away. So really the boat from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang isn’t quite the whole way!
You will have to first take the local bus from Chiang Mai to the small border town of Chiang Khong in Thailand. Then you cross the border into Laos and take a cheap tuk-tuk to Huay Xai where the Mekong river slow boat actually leaves from.
You will need to stay overnight in one of these towns and get the slow boat to Luang Prabang in the morning, it’s best if you can stay in Huay Xai to make sure there isn’t a hold-up at the border or with transport. Remember there is only 1 boat a day and it leaves early!
You will technically travel from Chiang Mai to Laos here before even getting on the “slow boat from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang” which is actually the Huay Xai to Luang Prabang boat … not as catchy!
From Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, you need to get the local bus to Chiang Khong, these are very cheap, do this the day before you want to get the boat. This bus takes around 5.5 hrs and costs around 250 Baht (Ā£6 / $7.70) for the standard class.
From Chiang Khong get a tuk-tuk to the Laos-Thai friendship bridge and border. Here you will cross over and pay a small fee for the bus across the bridge.
Take a tuk-tuk to the town of Huay Xai where the Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang slow boat leaves in the morning
Stay somewhere cheap in Huay Xai, and expect to pay around 55,000 Kip (Ā£5 / $6.50) for a room.
Buy your ticket from the docks/ on the boat in the morning. Get there early and ask at your guest house for the time of the Chiang Mai slow boat to Luang Prabang. They usually leave around 8 am.
You will buy your first ticket at the docks in Huay Xai to Pak Beng and it should cost you 110,000 Kip (Ā£10/ $13)
The ticket for the second boat from Pak Beng to Luang Prabang will cost 110,000 Kip (Ā£10/ $13) and you buy in on the boat itself.
You can also take the Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang fast boat from here.
Day One: A Stunning Ride to Pakbeng
On the first day on the Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang boat, you will head towards the same destination as the Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai slow boat and both meet up in the small town of Pak Beng.
On the slow boat from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai, the first leg is the most scenic of the entire journey where the Mekong is encircled by an ever-changing mountainous landscape, tiny villages and lush jungle surroundings.
Sitting back on the comfortable seats with the breeze in your hair and taking it all in is quite wonderful and takes around 8 hours.
From Huay Xai to Pakbeng the ride is a touch shorter but will still likely take over 7 hours and is more of a dress rehearsal for the amazing scenery on the next leg of the journey.
It is still a wonderful introduction to Laos and a nice relaxing day after spending the previous day getting to and across the border.
Over the course of the 7-8 hours, you will also likely get to know the other passengers on board, many of which will also be long-term travellers and it becomes quite a social place too. We were also lucky that the boat wasn’t too crowded so we could move the seat around for more space.
Luang Prabang Chiang Mai boat: Arriving into Pak Beng at sunset
Arriving in Pakbeng
Arriving in Pakbeng you want somewhere to stay for the night. There is a rush of people all trying to figure that out at once when they pile off both boats going in either direction!
It is sometimes possible to organise somewhere to stay when you arrive at the docks but the best way is to organise something before so you are sure you have a place for the night. Once rooms start getting full then the cheap town can become expensive!
We got a private room with a bathroom for 50,000 (Ā£4.60 / $5.90) for the night and we were taken from the dock up to the hotel in a truck and back to the docks again in the morning for free.
They also had breakfast for around 10,000 Kip (Ā£0.90/ $1.20) and sandwiches you could have made to take with you on the boat for 10,000 Kip (Ā£0.90/ $1.20).
The slow boat: Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai – Hanging out with local kids!
Eating in Pakbeng is also relatively cheap and there are quite a few options for such a small place. However expect to pay more than you should for things like cans of Coke, crisps and snacks for the boat the day after.
If you can, try and stock up whilst in Luang Prabang!
The town itself isn’t the nicest of places and the accommodation leaves a lot to be desired, but it really is just somewhere to pass through for the night before heading off again in the morning on your Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai adventure!
More Information: Where to Stay In Pakbeng
Best for a Cheap and Cheerful Overnight Stay: Mekong Backpackers
Mekong Backpackers is a basic but comfortable and clean place to stay for the night with a terrace overlooking the Mekong River. It’s the perfect place to break up your Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang by boat trip.
Another Good Option On A Budget: Janh Ya Phone Guesthouse
Another highly rated family-run guest house is Janh Ya Phone which also boasts incredible river views and is a short walk into town from here too. We also loved the terrace where you can watch the sunset.
The Best Place To Stay If You Can Afford It: Le Grand Pakbeng
You’ve just spent 8 hours on a boat and you’re going to do the same the next day! So why not stay somewhere comfortable? If you stay at Le Grand Pakbeng you’ll be sure to leave relaxed and well-rested.
Day Two: A Relaxing Trip to Your Luang Prabang or Huay Xai
At the start of the second day, it can be a little hectic at the docks. Your accommodation can sort out transport but it is only a short walk anyway. Here people will be crowding around and travelling in both directions.
It is important that you get there early, again the boat leaves around 8 am, and make sure you are heading in the right direction! Often you will be on the boat with the same people as the day before which makes it easier.
The Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai route does seem to be less busy than the Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang boat for some reason too but either way the slow boat Mekong River trip seems relatively popular.
Slow boat Luang Prabang: Enjoying the ride from Laos to Chiang Mai
The Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang boat takes around 7-8 hours and is again a stunning and fascinating journey down one of the great rivers of the world and the lifeblood of Southeast Asia. You get to witness everyday life on the river such as fishermen, farmers and their cattle and many stilt houses.
It really is so much more rewarding to take the Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai slow boat not to mention more comfortable than the bumpy bus! In fact, the boat from Thailand to Laos should be seen as more of an experience in itself rather than just a method of transport!
One of the coolest things we found about the Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang slow boat was that the international border runs down the river for the last few hours of the trip.
This means that you will actually have been traversing in and out of each country as you meander down the river, it’s quite a nice feeling to know that on one side of you is Laos and the other is Thailand.
Often there are some quite noticeable differences which are fascinating to see and what makes the slow boat to Laos such a great trip to do.
If you’ve taken the Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang boat this will be your last stop. You should know that the docks are around 10 km outside of the city and you will need a tuk-tuk.
Doing it this way you will probably pay more to get into the centre than in reverse as you can’t pre-book the tuk tuk and the drivers know how desperate you are. Aim to pay around 15,000 Kip (Ā£1.40/ $1.80) each but expect to be approached with a higher figure and do some heavy bartering.
You could also walk some of the way and pick up a tuk-tuk from the road after the rush, after all, what’s a bit of waiting after two days on the slow boat to Luang Prabang! Another tip is to try to share with someone else, especially if you’re travelling alone, so you can slip the cost.
Slow boat Laos to Chiang Mai: We loved hanging out and watching the world go by!
Where to Stay In Luang Prabang
If you need a little more information about the Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai boat, then check out where to stay before setting off.
Best Backpacker Hostel: Sunrise Riverside Pool Hostel
As the name suggests this place is set right on the river where you can watch the sunset! It offers a great location to relax. It offers comfortable beds and great bathroom facilities.
This lovely bungalow-style wooden hotel is right on the banks of the mighty Mekong. This hotel offers great well-kept private rooms in a heritage building for great prices.
Best Place for a Reasonably Priced Treat: Muangthong Boutique Hotel
The Muangthong Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel for a really reasonable price. This charming place is in a great location in a quiet area just outside the town centre, you can also rent bikes for free.
Over the course of the last 10+ years of travelling, we’ve used Booking.com to book probably around 90% of our accommodation. These days you can book anything from a luxury resort to budget hotels and even hostels and rentals similar to Airbnb.
Plus, if you make an account, you get access to their ‘Genius’ loyalty program… and DISCOUNTS. Everything is laid out super easy so you know what you’re getting, and honestly, I’m just a really big fan of the platform over other major providers.
Arriving in Huay Xai And Transiting Into Thailand And On To Chiang Mai/ Rai
Arriving in Huay Xai you have a few options, some choose to stay in the town overnight and continue the journey the next day. We took a tuk-tuk for around 15,000 Kip (Ā£1.40/ $1.80) to the border as we didn’t want to add an extra night onto the journey.
You will first pass through Laos immigration and officially leave the country. (You might have to pay an extra 10,000 Kip fee depending on the time and how you’re border guard is feeling!)
Now you must take the shuttle bus across the Friendship Bridge for 10,000 Kip (Ā£0.90/ $1.20) The wait is usually just a few minutes.
Then you will pass through Thai immigration and into the outskirts of the town of Chiang Khong.
Here you have a few options. The last local cheap bus from the border to Chiang Rai leaves at 5 pm, so if you have come straight off the boat you will likely miss it, seems like bad planning to me! We’ve missed it both times!
So you can either spend the night in Chiang Khong and take the cheap bus to Chiang Rai the morning after for around 65 Baht (Ā£1.50 / $2 ) or to Chiang Mai for around double the price.
Or if you want to get to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai that night you will have to take a minibus. You will usually get enough people wanting to do the same route to be able to share the cost, the prices are set but there is some room for negotiation if there is a group that needs for example a bus and a car as we did.
Expect to pay around 350 Baht (Ā£8) each, steep considering how much the local bus is but it’s comfortable and will get you there that night. To Chiang Mai expect to pay around double this.
The normal bus (Pretty much like a normal bus we get in the UK, not like a coach!) from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai should cost around 130 Baht (Ā£3/ $4) for standard class if you want to spend a day in Chiang Rai first and see the White Temple and other highlights before heading on to Chiang Mai.
However, if you want to save some messing around be sure to have a ticket for the bus and book ahead at least that morning. It’s easily possible to spend the morning at the white temple and around the city before getting the late afternoon/ early evening bus. It takes around 3-4 hours.
An incredibly well-designed and thought-out hostel where each room has been custom-built for comfort with hanging space and cool dividers for privacy. It has to be one of the nicest hostels we’ve seen!
Close to the street food markets
Communal areas are great for socialising or working
A lovely and well-designed modern hotel that offers a sleek design and comfortable rooms. It provides a really excellent standard of accommodation for incredible prices.
Best Place for a Reasonably Priced Treat: El Barrio Lanna- SHA Extra Plus
Another well-priced gem in Chiang Mai, the El Barrio Lanna- SHA Extra Plus is cheap for the level of service you get here. It has a real homely feel making this an ideal treat for those on a budget.
Over the course of the last 10+ years of travelling, we’ve used Booking.com to book probably around 90% of our accommodation. These days you can book anything from a luxury resort to budget hotels and even hostels and rentals similar to Airbnb.
Plus, if you make an account, you get access to their ‘Genius’ loyalty program… and DISCOUNTS. Everything is laid out super easy so you know what you’re getting, and honestly, I’m just a really big fan of the platform over other major providers.
A great clean, contemporary and well-designed hostel close to the centre of town. It’s a perfect example of a modern boutique hostel. The hostel also offers free bikes as well as lounge and terrace spaces.
Situated right in the centre of town near the bus station this modern offering is a great economy hotel. It’s ideal for couples as the price for a double room is comparable to that of a bed each at an upmarket hostel!
Over the course of the last 10+ years of travelling, we’ve used Booking.com to book probably around 90% of our accommodation. These days you can book anything from a luxury resort to budget hotels and even hostels and rentals similar to Airbnb.
Plus, if you make an account, you get access to their ‘Genius’ loyalty program… and DISCOUNTS. Everything is laid out super easy so you know what you’re getting, and honestly, I’m just a really big fan of the platform over other major providers.
The Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai/ Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang Slow Boat
Time:
Each day on the Laos to Thailand slow boat will be between 7-9 hours.
Depending on which way you travel it could take between 2-3 days for the journey.
The Chiang Mai to Laos slow boat route takes longer due to travel time to the border from Chiang Mai itself and then because the boats only leave in the morning.
Travelling from Luang Prabang however, is quicker but more expensive as you can take a minibus from Chiang Khong to Chiang Mai the night you arrive.
A young boy playing on a boat stopped at a village along the way
Day 1: Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong (5.5hrs), tut-tuk from Chiang Khong to the border, shuttle bus across the border, tuk-tuk to Huay Xai. Spend the night in Huay Xai. The main objective of this day is to get from Chiang Mai to Huay Xai and effectively from Chiang Mai to Laos.
Day 2: Tuk-tuk from Huay Xai to docks, the boat leaves around 8:00 am buy tickets at the harbour and arrive early or book online. 7-8 hours on the boat. Arrive in Pak Beng and spend the night. Accommodation is easy to organise before you get there.
Day 3: Get to the docks at 7:30 am boat leaves at 8:00 am, and buy tickets on board or online. Pak Beng to Luang Prabang 8-9 hours on the boat. Tuk-tuk from docks to Luang Prabang centre/ accommodation.
Day 1: Tuk-tuk from Luang Prabang/ Accommodation to the harbour. The boat from Luang Prabang to Pak Beng leaves at 8:00 am, buy tickets at the harbour and arrive early or prebook online. Arrive in Pak Beng 8-9 hours later and stay the night. Accommodation is easy to organise before you arrive.
Day 2: Get to the docks at 7:30, the boat from Pak Beng to Huay Xai leaves at 8:00 am, buy tickets on board or online before. 7-8 hours on board. Arrive in Huay Xai. Here you have three choices:
1. Take a cheap tuk-tuk to Huay Xai centre and stay the night before crossing the border and heading to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai the day after. Accommodation is cheap and you can get the cheap local buses in the morning. Adds another day but it’s cheaper.
2. Take a tuk-tuk to the border, take the shuttle bus across the Friendship Bridge, cross into Thailand, and take a tuk-tuk/ taxi to Chiang Khong. Spend the night before heading to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai the day after. Accommodation in Chiang Khong is cheap and you can get the cheap local buses in the morning. Adds another day but it’s cheaper.
3. Take a tuk-tuk to the border, take the shuttle bus across the Friendship Bridge, cross into Thailand, and organise a minibus outside the border to either Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. These are expensive for the region but can often be shared with other travellers and will get you to your destination on your second day.
Otherwise known as the Chiang Khong to Luang Prabang boat as that is your last stop in Thailand!
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The main area of the pack opens like a suitcase, which is great for using packing cubes to keep everything organised and they even come with a detachable day pack!
Tuk Tuk to harbour to/from Luang Prabang 15,000 Kip (Ā£1.40/ $1.80) Expect to pay more in reverse.
Boat total: 220,000 Kip (Ā£20 / $26)
Accommodation in Pak Beng: 50,000 Kip (Ā£4.60 / $5.90)
Tuk Tuk to border: 15,000 Kip (Ā£1.40/ $1.80)
Shuttle bus over the bridge: 10,000 Kip (Ā£0.90/ $1.20)
Optional
Minibus to Chiang Rai that evening: 350 Baht (Ā£8/ $10.70)
Minibus to Chiang Mai that evening: 600 Baht (Ā£13/ $18.40)
Tuk Tuk into Chiang Khong: 100 Baht (Ā£2.30/ $3)
Accommodation in Chiang Khong: 170 Baht (Ā£4/ $5) for a dorm, and 325 Baht (Ā£8/ $10) for a private room.
Bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai with Greenway standard class: 130 Baht (Ā£3/ $4)
Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong: Roughly 250 Baht (Ā£6 / $7.70)
Advice
There is an onboard shop selling noodles and crisps to each as well as beer, water, soft drinks and coffee. But it’s best to bring some food along just in case as some boats might just not sell anything! You don’t stop anywhere on the way where you can buy food.
A great thing to do when you are at Pak Beng is to get your accommodation to make up a sandwich to take with you for the second day which a lot of places do for a good price.
Walking to the port just outside of Luang Prabang
Bring a hoodie and some socks for the early morning or if it gets a bit too windy on board as it can feel chilly in the shade. Also, bring some sun cream for when the sun is on your side of the boat!
Bring along a book or a movie or your Kindle as the journey is long but also smooth enough to write your diary etc.
Get your camera out and ready, there are some beautiful scenes along the way! Also, make sure you’ve got a decent phone too for all those reels!
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There is a small on board shop selling water, beer, soft drinks, coffee, noodles and crisps
Arrive at the dock early to get a good seat. The very front is usually where the locals sit as they will often be getting off at random places along the way and it’s usually wooden benches. The very back however is where the engine is and can be very noisy. Try to get somewhere in between on one of the bus-style seats.
Take your time and don’t stress too much, this is the long-winded way to make this trip and can take 3 days, but it’s relaxing and enjoyable! One of the things I really learnt whilst travelling was it’s best when you just go with it and be present.
Bring power packs for your phone as there isn’t usually power available on board. Our second boat did have sockets but they didn’t work!
The boat is usually pretty calm being on a river but you should keep your valuables such as your passport inside a dry bag just in case! Be aware that the dry season is actually rougher and more dangerous.
There is a toilet on the slow boat to Laos from Chiang Mai for those asking and it’s not too bad! Bring some toilet rolls just in case it runs out or doesn’t have any. In Asia, in general, is a always good idea!
slow boat Chiang Mai to Laos: These are the typical boats you will be on!
Other Options For Chiang Mai-Luang Prabang Travel
If you’re wondering how to get to Luang Prabang from Chiang Mai or vice versa and you don’t think you will have time for the slow boat from Thailand to Laos then what are the other options?
You can take the bus which is an overnight 18hr ride through some winding mountainous roads. This is a convenient option as there is no messing about with staying over in different towns and several different methods of transport. All in all it also probably works out to be the cheapest option too as you don’t have to pay for overnight accommodation. However, if you are travel sick it’s going to be a long night!
Another quicker way when considering how to get from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai is to take a flight. This only takes an hour so cuts down a lot of travel time from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. Ok, you miss out on the Thailand to Luang Prabang by boat experience but you do save time! The flight from Chiang Mai -Luang Prabang will also be the most expensive option.
Slowboat Luang Prabang: A relaxing and local way to travel
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I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia!
Iāve explored over 70 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe all while trying to avoid growing up!
Did it work, I dunno, but my back hurts and I still collect Pokemon cards! Who wants in?!
If you’re looking for the best romantic European city breaks for you and your partner, then I’ve put together this EPIC list for the perfect trip away.
Thanks so much for all of the details and very specific instructions on how to take the slow boat from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang or reverse. It definitely sounds like the best option as compared to the vomit-inducing overnight bus or the insanely dangerous speed boat.
I always thought taking a slow boat was just a phrase, I didn’t know there were such things. Thanks for an informative article including pricing, suggestions and your experience. I’ve stuck to Europe and North America so far in my travels. Heeding good advice like yours seems to be the ticket for travel in these more out of the way places.
Wow, what an adventure. Im not sure Im patient enough to be on a boat for 2 days but I can definitely see the appeal. Thanks for breaking the whole trip down for us. Im already in Southeast Asia so i must just do this one day!
You post is so detailed on exactly how to buy tickets, where to buy tickets and what to expect. I have saved this in my archives for future reference because the information is invaluable to first timers! Thank you for sharing!
Really enjoyed reading your blog post. Really impressed with the fact that you actually bought scooters in Vietnam! I’ve been there, and the traffic is so scary! You’ve definitely made the right decision taking the boat and not taking the vomit inducing bus!! That actually sounds horrific. And the views from the boat look great. I really liked how many details you wrote about getting tickets etc, must be quite daunting doing this on the spot.
What a great way to slow travel from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai though I would have to have a ton of snacks and things to do or Darcee would end up throwing me off the boat into the river…I get a wee bit stir crazy after a few hours. It is weird that you found The Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai route less “busy”. You would have thought it would have been the same. Personally, I think your stop at Pak Beng would have been a big highlight for me. There is something about experiencing a small village life in Thailand that just seems like the best travel experience ever!
Thanks for sharing about tips to travel to Chiang mai from Luang Prabang. I would also love to go by boat instead of bus drive through hectic and winding roads.
This sounds like a lovely, relaxing adventure after all sorts of other crazy excursions! I love the idea of just hanging out, enjoying the scenery, floating down the river. And you have so many useful tips!
This was extremely informative. I had no idea that it was a 18 hour route between the mountainous regions of Luang Prabang and Northern Thailand nor that the speed boats were that dangerous. It seems like you definitely did your research and picked the best options. Slow boats for the win! š
I really like this idea a lot, but I wanted to clarify – you’re really just going by boat from Thai border at Huay Xai to Luang Prabang? The section from Chiang Mai to border is on land?
Thanks so much for such detailed information, Iām looking to do this in a couple of weeks from Luang Prabang. Just curious.. you say no stops on one of the days.. does that mean there is a toilet on board both days boats?
Hey. No worries at all. There are essentially no stops at all either day, however there might be some drop offs and pick ups here and there, but you can’t get off usually. However, there are toilets on board both days, as I remember they weren’t too bad either but I would always recommend carrying some toilet roll around with you in Asia anyway!!
I was going to say you didn’t mention the “poop factor”. But I see below someone mentions there’s toilets on the boat. Good to know because Spanky ain’t getting on no boat if there’s no toilet…
Traveling by boat is my favorite way to travel. If I’m ever in Thailand again with a plan to go to Laos afterwards then I will be definitely taking the slow boat! Thanks for the great idea!
Great detailed post! By the look of the boat I was worried to see what I would like like on the inside, however it looks okay considering a third world country. I really love the detail you have gone into with no phone chargers on board and the toilet paper! I always have toilet paper with me or tissues! You never know when nature calls and there loo paper is out! Happy Travels š
I loved cruising over Mekong especially because it separates the 2 countries and I find it super cool. When i visited last year I almost crossed it twice – on bicycle and by boat. It was a fun trip and your post reminded me of it.
Interesting! I would definitely rather take the slow boat than an 18-hour bus ride for sure. But it does involve a lot to get to the slow boat to begin with. I have been to Thailand but didn’t make it to Chiang Mai. I can’t believe those people had to pay twice, yikes! Great tips on bringing your own food and to sit in the middle!
I love alternative ways to get from one city to another, boats, trains etc. instead of flying! This is such a beautiful way to enjoy the scenery while getting to Luang Prabang. I especially love what you’ve seen in Pak Beng. Thank you for highlighting this adorable town!
I so regret not having visited Laos when I lived in SE Asia… now even more so! A slow boat with the locals sounds like a perfect way to take your time, see the sights and really experience the journey. Besides… a boat vs. a bus?? Is there really any competition?!
Absolutely awesome article. Very well written and informative. Weāll be getting the slow boat from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai tomorrow – wish us luck!
Thanks dude! I know it can be a bit daunting trying to organise it so I wrote this to help people out, glad it did that for you! Hope you have an awesome and chilled time on the boat! Pretty jealous myself! ha
I never thought about this option but so glad that I stumbled upon it. I think I’ll do it in about a week from now (Luang Prabang – Chiang Mai)
Do you know if theyrth “closed” any days ? Like weekend, holiday, national holiday etc. ?
Hey, thanks for reading the post and we hope you do end up doing the trip this was as it’s a great experience. I can’t say for certain but I know that Songkran (the water festival) is in a couple of weeks, double check the dates but I think it starts around the 12th, that I imagine will cause major delays in Thailand. I’m not sure if Laos celebrate a similar thing but I know Myanmar do as we were there for that so they might. That is something to be aware of but getting to Chiang Mai in time to celebrate will be perfect though! It would be best asking your accommodation if there are any other festivals coming up or full moon days which are often special days but with Songkran being so close you might be right until then. Weekends should be fine but just check if they use a different schedule, I don’t think they do as it’s just one a day for the slow boat but it’s best to check locally incase anything has changed. We found our hostel was pretty helpful for things like that.
Hey š
Thank you so much for this article. Iām a bit scared of being on a boat so I wanted to ask you if it was rocky ( like really shaky ) or of it was very calm.
Hey, no worries thanks for reading. The boat was pretty calm as its along a river with no waves etc. The only time it would rock a little was when another boat went past, usually the speed boats would make more of a wake than the slow boat and they are not very often. The boat itself is open too with no enclosed sections so you don’t feel trapped inside and you can sit right by the window. You can also see both sides of the river bank at all times.
Cheers dude. Yeah we did the trip in 2018 but we’re always updating the post with the most current information, though not much has changed since then!
Thanks so much for sharing your trip, advices and all the details! We are planning to take the exact same route in a couple of months and your article has helped out so much with our planning! Can’t wait for this boat trip :).
Your tips are invaluable for anyone planning a similar trip. The way you’ve detailed each step of the process is a testament to your thoroughness and care for your readers.
Thanks so much for your article about the slow boat from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. It’s full of very useful information that I haven’t found anywhere else yet.
We are going to make that journey with my partner on 6th-7th July. We would like to reach Chang Mai. So you think it’s possible to to that in 2 days ? If we find a minibus to share ? Because then it’s quite a journey on day 2 right? š
Is there a way to find information and prices about that beforehand ?
Thank you so much and keep doing ! It’s great š
Hey. Thanks for your comment. We will be visiting Belgium for a few days in August!
It’s a long day sure, but it’s quite chilled for the most part until you arrive and need to take multiple buses/ tuk tuks/ border crossings, but it’s not too bad in all honesty.
Yeah it’s totally possible!
Firstly. When you arrive across the border there will be heaps of people, both passengers, tuk tuk drivers and minibus drivers. It’s a bit chaotic but you can either loudly announce you are going to Chiang Mai if anyone wants to share the minibus or ask around if you’re not so confident! Another option is to approach one of the minibus drivers and then wait with the bus until it fills up. When things get quieter if you miss one but then if I remember rightly there is a phone at the border to ring another taxi company and usually a few members of staff around from the border who can help. But you shouldn’t have a problem as there tends to be more people wanting to go to Chiang Mai that night than Chiang Rai or anywhere else.
If all else fails you will always be able to get a taxi all the way, you will just have to pay the full fare. It’s expensive for Thailand but by European standards not too bad for the distance. The exact price you would have to confirm on the day as it can change so I don’t want to promise a price!
Have a great time!
Hello!
Thank you so much for sharing this!
Thanks so much for all of the details and very specific instructions on how to take the slow boat from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang or reverse. It definitely sounds like the best option as compared to the vomit-inducing overnight bus or the insanely dangerous speed boat.
I always thought taking a slow boat was just a phrase, I didn’t know there were such things. Thanks for an informative article including pricing, suggestions and your experience. I’ve stuck to Europe and North America so far in my travels. Heeding good advice like yours seems to be the ticket for travel in these more out of the way places.
Wow, what an adventure. Im not sure Im patient enough to be on a boat for 2 days but I can definitely see the appeal. Thanks for breaking the whole trip down for us. Im already in Southeast Asia so i must just do this one day!
You post is so detailed on exactly how to buy tickets, where to buy tickets and what to expect. I have saved this in my archives for future reference because the information is invaluable to first timers! Thank you for sharing!
Really enjoyed reading your blog post. Really impressed with the fact that you actually bought scooters in Vietnam! I’ve been there, and the traffic is so scary! You’ve definitely made the right decision taking the boat and not taking the vomit inducing bus!! That actually sounds horrific. And the views from the boat look great. I really liked how many details you wrote about getting tickets etc, must be quite daunting doing this on the spot.
What a great way to slow travel from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai though I would have to have a ton of snacks and things to do or Darcee would end up throwing me off the boat into the river…I get a wee bit stir crazy after a few hours. It is weird that you found The Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai route less “busy”. You would have thought it would have been the same. Personally, I think your stop at Pak Beng would have been a big highlight for me. There is something about experiencing a small village life in Thailand that just seems like the best travel experience ever!
Thanks for sharing about tips to travel to Chiang mai from Luang Prabang. I would also love to go by boat instead of bus drive through hectic and winding roads.
This sounds like a lovely, relaxing adventure after all sorts of other crazy excursions! I love the idea of just hanging out, enjoying the scenery, floating down the river. And you have so many useful tips!
This was extremely informative. I had no idea that it was a 18 hour route between the mountainous regions of Luang Prabang and Northern Thailand nor that the speed boats were that dangerous. It seems like you definitely did your research and picked the best options. Slow boats for the win! š
I really like this idea a lot, but I wanted to clarify – you’re really just going by boat from Thai border at Huay Xai to Luang Prabang? The section from Chiang Mai to border is on land?
What an amazing write up, so informative and helpful and style is lucid too.
Thanks so much for such detailed information, Iām looking to do this in a couple of weeks from Luang Prabang. Just curious.. you say no stops on one of the days.. does that mean there is a toilet on board both days boats?
Hey. No worries at all. There are essentially no stops at all either day, however there might be some drop offs and pick ups here and there, but you can’t get off usually. However, there are toilets on board both days, as I remember they weren’t too bad either but I would always recommend carrying some toilet roll around with you in Asia anyway!!
This was a fun ride guys. We took this slow boat a few years ago. Serene experience.
Cheers! Yeah it was such a better experience than taking yet another bus!!
I was going to say you didn’t mention the “poop factor”. But I see below someone mentions there’s toilets on the boat. Good to know because Spanky ain’t getting on no boat if there’s no toilet…
Ha ha, Yeah of course, if you have to spend all day on a boat there’s a toilet!
Great tips, love the motorbike idea!
Traveling by boat is my favorite way to travel. If I’m ever in Thailand again with a plan to go to Laos afterwards then I will be definitely taking the slow boat! Thanks for the great idea!
Great detailed post! By the look of the boat I was worried to see what I would like like on the inside, however it looks okay considering a third world country. I really love the detail you have gone into with no phone chargers on board and the toilet paper! I always have toilet paper with me or tissues! You never know when nature calls and there loo paper is out! Happy Travels š
I loved cruising over Mekong especially because it separates the 2 countries and I find it super cool. When i visited last year I almost crossed it twice – on bicycle and by boat. It was a fun trip and your post reminded me of it.
Interesting! I would definitely rather take the slow boat than an 18-hour bus ride for sure. But it does involve a lot to get to the slow boat to begin with. I have been to Thailand but didn’t make it to Chiang Mai. I can’t believe those people had to pay twice, yikes! Great tips on bringing your own food and to sit in the middle!
I love alternative ways to get from one city to another, boats, trains etc. instead of flying! This is such a beautiful way to enjoy the scenery while getting to Luang Prabang. I especially love what you’ve seen in Pak Beng. Thank you for highlighting this adorable town!
What an awesome guide. Thanks for the tips on what to pack at the end. I always bring battery packs and dry bags for any boat ride. Totally essential!
I so regret not having visited Laos when I lived in SE Asia… now even more so! A slow boat with the locals sounds like a perfect way to take your time, see the sights and really experience the journey. Besides… a boat vs. a bus?? Is there really any competition?!
Absolutely awesome article. Very well written and informative. Weāll be getting the slow boat from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai tomorrow – wish us luck!
Thanks dude! I know it can be a bit daunting trying to organise it so I wrote this to help people out, glad it did that for you! Hope you have an awesome and chilled time on the boat! Pretty jealous myself! ha
I never thought about this option but so glad that I stumbled upon it. I think I’ll do it in about a week from now (Luang Prabang – Chiang Mai)
Do you know if theyrth “closed” any days ? Like weekend, holiday, national holiday etc. ?
Hey, thanks for reading the post and we hope you do end up doing the trip this was as it’s a great experience. I can’t say for certain but I know that Songkran (the water festival) is in a couple of weeks, double check the dates but I think it starts around the 12th, that I imagine will cause major delays in Thailand. I’m not sure if Laos celebrate a similar thing but I know Myanmar do as we were there for that so they might. That is something to be aware of but getting to Chiang Mai in time to celebrate will be perfect though! It would be best asking your accommodation if there are any other festivals coming up or full moon days which are often special days but with Songkran being so close you might be right until then. Weekends should be fine but just check if they use a different schedule, I don’t think they do as it’s just one a day for the slow boat but it’s best to check locally incase anything has changed. We found our hostel was pretty helpful for things like that.
Hey š
Thank you so much for this article. Iām a bit scared of being on a boat so I wanted to ask you if it was rocky ( like really shaky ) or of it was very calm.
Hey, no worries thanks for reading. The boat was pretty calm as its along a river with no waves etc. The only time it would rock a little was when another boat went past, usually the speed boats would make more of a wake than the slow boat and they are not very often. The boat itself is open too with no enclosed sections so you don’t feel trapped inside and you can sit right by the window. You can also see both sides of the river bank at all times.
TQVM!!! for the detailed itinary Luang Prabang to Changrai, When was this review doine? 2019? Eddy
Cheers dude. Yeah we did the trip in 2018 but we’re always updating the post with the most current information, though not much has changed since then!
Thanks so much for sharing your trip, advices and all the details! We are planning to take the exact same route in a couple of months and your article has helped out so much with our planning! Can’t wait for this boat trip :).
No worries at all! Hope you have a wonderful time and if you have any questions then don’t hesitate to ask. Nic
Your tips are invaluable for anyone planning a similar trip. The way you’ve detailed each step of the process is a testament to your thoroughness and care for your readers.
Hello,
I’m Diane from Belgium.
Thanks so much for your article about the slow boat from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. It’s full of very useful information that I haven’t found anywhere else yet.
We are going to make that journey with my partner on 6th-7th July. We would like to reach Chang Mai. So you think it’s possible to to that in 2 days ? If we find a minibus to share ? Because then it’s quite a journey on day 2 right? š
Is there a way to find information and prices about that beforehand ?
Thank you so much and keep doing ! It’s great š
Hey. Thanks for your comment. We will be visiting Belgium for a few days in August!
It’s a long day sure, but it’s quite chilled for the most part until you arrive and need to take multiple buses/ tuk tuks/ border crossings, but it’s not too bad in all honesty.
Yeah it’s totally possible!
Firstly. When you arrive across the border there will be heaps of people, both passengers, tuk tuk drivers and minibus drivers. It’s a bit chaotic but you can either loudly announce you are going to Chiang Mai if anyone wants to share the minibus or ask around if you’re not so confident! Another option is to approach one of the minibus drivers and then wait with the bus until it fills up. When things get quieter if you miss one but then if I remember rightly there is a phone at the border to ring another taxi company and usually a few members of staff around from the border who can help. But you shouldn’t have a problem as there tends to be more people wanting to go to Chiang Mai that night than Chiang Rai or anywhere else.
If all else fails you will always be able to get a taxi all the way, you will just have to pay the full fare. It’s expensive for Thailand but by European standards not too bad for the distance. The exact price you would have to confirm on the day as it can change so I don’t want to promise a price!
Have a great time!